automate stop duration and multiple routes

This is a discussion on automate stop duration and multiple routes within the MapPoint Desktop Discussion forums, part of the Map Forums category; Sorry if this is a beginner question... but I'm a new user. I have approx 200 stops to make in ...

automate stop duration and multiple routes

Sorry if this is a beginner question... but I'm a new user. I have approx 200 stops to make in a single territory. (I wouldn't go to the trouble, but I need to do this for 20 territories!) Stops are imported as Pushpins.

Two questions:
1. How do I automate the stop duration? The TIP says it can be done, but I can't seem to figure it out. Can't find preferences or appointments, etc.
(Tip You don't need to schedule every stop on your route. You can set a schedule for certain stops—such as for an appointment—and then let MapPoint automatically schedule the rest of your route based on the preferences you have set.)

2. I expect my 200 stops will require approx 10 routes. Can I optimize these in aggregate or do I have to manually pick (or highlight) the approx 20 stops in each route? Can multiple routes be viewed on the same map?

With MapPoint, you have to decide which of the stops go in each route. MapPoint can then optimize (find the right order) for each route.

We are preparing to sell "TourSolver for MapPoint" to the North American market in the next week or so. This will optimize locations between routes (eg. give it 100 stops with time constraints and the maximum number of routes/vehicles, and it will come up with the best combination).
TourSolver can also apply other constraints (eg. truck capacity for a delivery application).